The Arizona Diamondbacks placed All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte on the restricted list Monday after he did not show up for the team’s game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Manager Torey Lovullo described the situation as unsettled, saying the club was aware of a personal matter affecting Marte but had received little concrete information. The Diamondbacks lost the game 11-1.
"It’s been a crazy day. All I know is that he’s dealing with a personal issue — we’re just trying to figure that out," Lovullo said after the game.
Club response and roster move
The team formally put Marte on the restricted list after he failed to appear for Monday night’s contest. Arizona recalled infielder Jose Fernandez to fill Marte’s spot on the active roster. Fernandez was already in Boston as insurance for third baseman Nolan Arenado, who did not play because of what the team called "trunk discomfort." The club said Arenado’s injury was not expected to be long term.
Lovullo said he spoke with Marte both in the morning and again in the afternoon but received "very little" information about his whereabouts. The manager said he thought Marte had traveled with the team to Boston but could not confirm that when reporters asked after the loss.
Background and previous absence
This is not the first time Marte has been placed on the restricted list. Last season, during the All-Star break, Marte’s home in Arizona was burglarized and he returned to the Dominican Republic; the club placed him on the restricted list and he missed three games. After that episode he apologized to teammates and fans.
Marte is a three-time All-Star and a central figure in Arizona’s lineup. Through 118 games this season, he is batting .249 with 21 homers and 67 RBIs, numbers that reflect his role as a primary offensive contributor for the Diamondbacks.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Games played | 118 |
| Batting average | .249 |
| Home runs | 21 |
| RBIs | 67 |
Team atmosphere and next steps
Lovullo said there was curiosity and concern in the clubhouse during the day but that once teammates knew Marte was "OK," the focus shifted back to the game. He added that the club would need time to learn more and determine Marte’s status going forward.
"I need a good night’s rest, a glass of wine, and we’ll think a—" Lovullo said, trailing off as he described needing time to process the day’s events.
The restricted list is used by clubs when a player is temporarily unavailable for personal reasons and typically removes a player from the active 26-man roster while preserving the team’s option to address the absence without release or injury designation. The club did not provide a timetable for when it expects to have further information about Marte’s situation.
What this means for the Diamondbacks
Arizona will continue the season without Marte on the active roster while the team awaits more clarity. Practical implications include:
- Infield depth adjustments, with Jose Fernandez now available.
- Potential lineup reshuffling depending on who fills Marte’s role at second base and in the batting order.
- Uncertainty around Marte’s immediate availability until the club receives more information on the personal matter.
The club’s handling of the situation and any subsequent updates will be closely watched by teammates, coaches and fans. Marte’s absence leaves a gap in Arizona’s offense and adds to a roster already managing injuries and day-to-day player availability issues.
As of Monday evening, the Diamondbacks had not released further details about Marte’s whereabouts or the nature of the personal issue. The team is expected to provide updates when more information becomes available.
Gabriela Montoya, WE NEWS.
